Max Holloway is ‘Hittable’ and Not ‘Worst’ Matchup for Conor McGregor, Claims UFC Veteran

UFC knockout artist Matt Brown reveals how fighting at welterweight gives Conor McGregor the advantage over Max Holloway.

Max Holloway is ‘Hittable’ and Not ‘Worst’ Matchup for Conor McGregor, Claims UFC Veteran

Conor McGregor has a chance against Max Holloway (via Parade)

In Short
  • Max Holloway's durability is questioned ahead of his rematch with Conor McGregor at UFC 329.
  • Matt Brown suggests Holloway is "hittable" and that McGregor has a viable path to victory.
  • Holloway's recent performances raise concerns about his ability to absorb damage in higher weight classes.

Max Holloway remains one of mixed martial arts’ most durable fighters despite nearly 14 years of competing in the UFC. The Hawaiian native stayed relevant in the UFC lightweight rankings after facing elite opponents across multiple eras. Ahead of UFC 328 against Conor McGregor, UFC veteran Matt Brown questioned whether Holloway still absorbs punishment similarly to previous years.

McGregor and Holloway first fought at UFC Fight Night 26 in 2013 during the Irishman’s second UFC appearance. McGregor controlled the opening round with sharp striking and strong early positional grappling. Holloway struggled early but continued fighting as McGregor dealt with a knee injury during the bout. The fight went the distance, and McGregor earned a unanimous decision victory.

McGregor and Holloway both began their UFC careers in the 145-pound division. McGregor later moved up and competed at welterweight during his UFC career. Holloway stayed mainly at featherweight and lightweight without fighting at 170 pounds before. Their rematch at UFC 329 is set at welterweight, changing the matchup dynamics. This led Brown to question Holloway’s ability in the higher weight class.

You know, for one, it’s at 170 . You know, Conor has good power, right, at 170. Like, Max is hittable. He’s certainly a hittable guy. Conor has a win over him in the past. Max has been through the wringer, you know. He’s got a lot of miles on those tires, man. I can see where you can make that argument where it’s not the worst matchup.

Matt Brown via MMA Fighting

Brown’s comments may carry added weight considering Holloway’s recent Octagon performances and accumulated damage. The Hawaiian native suffered his first career knockout loss against Ilia Topuria at UFC 308, marking a turning point in his durability record. In his UFC 326 BMF title loss to Charles Oliveira, Holloway struggled with takedown defense and was also rocked in late exchanges.

McGregor has been out of competition since suffering a leg break against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. The injury stopped his momentum after years at the sport’s highest level. In recent times, he has shown signs of returning toward peak condition through continued training updates. He also participated in a recent amateur exhibition boxing match at Crumlin Boxing Club, staying active in combat sports.

Many within the UFC community, including Dustin Poirier, believe Max Holloway’s striking power could still translate effectively at welterweight. However, Conor McGregor’s nearly five-year absence raises concerns about ring rust in his return to the Octagon. Matt Brown’s comments add wider stakes by questioning whether Max Holloway’s durability or The Notorious One’s timing will define UFC 329.

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Ilia Topuria highlights Max Holloway’s error that gave him the green signal for the knockout at UFC 308

Max Holloway’s “pointing down” strategy is often used as a late-fight signal to engage in high-volume striking exchanges. He frequently brings out the gesture in the final stages of bouts, typically within the last 10 seconds, to push opponents into trading in the pocket. This approach has been seen across multiple appearances, including his knockout win over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria at UFC 308
Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria at UFC 308 (via Yahoo Sports)

At UFC 308, Holloway faced Ilia Topuria in a featherweight title fight where an early exchange shaped the tone. Topuria called for a stand-and-bang in the first 10 seconds, but Holloway rejected it and responded with a “red flag” gesture referencing Topuria’s nickname, ‘El Matador’. Topuria later said Holloway’s refusal increased his confidence to pursue a knockout against ‘The Blessed Express’.

However, Max Holloway has explained that his “stand and bang” gesture is reserved for the final 10 seconds of a round or fight when both fighters commit to striking. He has emphasized it is not an early challenge but a late-fight signal requiring timing, score awareness, and mutual agreement. This rule-based timing may explain why he did not engage in an early exchange with Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.

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